MightyMike and Greyser shoot handheld at the BIF's with the Sigma 500mm f4.5 lens. I can do it but not for very long at a time. Myself, I would rather use a Sigma 400mm f5.6 Tele-macro or Pentax-FA*400mm f5.6 for handheld shooting at the BIF's.

For shooting at the BIF's with the Sigma 500mm f4.5 from a heavy tripod and gimbal you need to make sure you have perfect balance in such a way that all of the lock downs can be completely loose and you have the ability to manuver your lens as easy as moving it with one finger. It should be balanced in such a way that even with the lock downs completely loose that the lens stays wherever it is pointed if you let go of it with your hands.

For BIF's in the sky use AF-C, Auto 5 or Auto 11, Continuous High, and then pray.

If the BIF's are surrounded by vegetation in the background then use AF-C, Center Point focus, Continuous high, then pray.

Cheers.

Ron

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Ron - 'We don't have time to go take pics this afternoon Carl.'Carl - 'What do you mean? It will only take 1/1000s.''Keep your eyes looking forward. However, glance back now and then to see where you've come from. It will put a smile on your face.' ~ brandrx

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